In a grand display of intellectual prowess and academic excellence, Baptist High School (BHS), Ekinrin-Adde, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious HRM Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju (Egbo L’ona I) Akinrin of Ekinrinland Inter-School Debate Competition.
The fiercely contested finale was a major highlight of the Akinrin Day 2026 celebrations held on Saturday in the magnificent palace of Akinrin of Ekinrinland.
The statewide academic competition, which featured an impressive lineup of 36 schools from across Kogi State, culminated in a thrilling final debate.
The formidable trio representing Baptist High School—Onahor Happiness, Bello Adeola, and Onare Micheal—secured the championship trophy with a remarkable total of 332 points.
For their outstanding victory, the BHS team was awarded the grand prize of ₦500,000, and each of the three victorious students went home with a brand-new laptop.
Solardad Group of Schools, Okene, put up a brilliant and highly competitive performance to emerge as the Runner-Up with a total of 300 points. Their representatives—Daniel Goodness, Sadiq Esther, and Isah Muzamirl—were rewarded with a ₦250,000 cash prize, and each student received a brand-new educational tablet.
Further amplifying its commitment to educational advancement, the Akinrin Educational Foundation marked the historic event by distributing over 4,000 educational materials to students and attendees present at the celebration, ensuring that the impact of the day resonated with every young mind in attendance.
Speaking at the event, His Royal Majesty, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, commended the participating schools and emphasized the critical need for sustained educational initiatives. The revered monarch expressed his profound appreciation for the initiator of this intellectual exposure and pledged his unwavering commitment to doing more for youth empowerment.
A major milestone of the day was His Royal Majesty’s official launch of the Foundation’s digital platform. The new website, www.akinrineducationfoundation.com, is now live and will serve as a hub for the foundation’s ongoing academic and community initiatives.
Beyond the academic triumphs, the celebration served as a platform to recognize outstanding civic contributions. Distinguished community members and leaders including Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Prince Bolarin Faleke, High Chief Shola Samuel Aribido, Chief Babajide Kolade Otitoju, Mrs. Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, High Chief Prince Morakinyo Otitoju, and Barrister Dayo Babalola were officially inducted into the House of Akinrin for their selfless dedication to the growth and peace of Ekinrinland.
Alongside the new inductees, exceptional individuals were also honored with the prestigious Community Service Award.
The award recipents were Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Dr. Ekundayo Funsho Olumoko (Chancellor, Federal University of Education, Pankshin), Chief Omolere Ajibulu (Managing Director, Lastwealth), Omotayo Ishaya (Member, Kogi State House of Assembly, Ijumu Constituency), Hon. Opeyemi Duke Adetayo (Security Expert & Consultant), Dr. Ebenezer Adebayo (Aerospace Engineer, UK), Engr. J.A. Ogunleye (Aviation Expert & Consultant), and Mr. Abdulganiyu Ishola (Regional Manager, Regal Uno Education Consult).
Director, Akinrin Educational Foundation, Aribido David Jayeoba said the Foundation remains committed to powering the future of our communities by nurturing the intellectual capacities of the youth and celebrating those who build their land.
